Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 7: Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, a native of Neelavara, Udupi, renowned for his exceptional leadership and extensive expertise across academia, research, administration, and the corporate sector, has taken charge as the new vice-chancellor of Chandigarh University (CU), Mohali.
Dr Raviraja obtained his MSc in bosciences in 1993 and completed his PhD in biosciences (microbiology) in 1997 from Mangalore University. He pursued postdoctoral training at Mount Allison University in Canada and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the USA, where he continued as a faculty member until 2008. He later joined the Montefiore Medical Centre/Albert Einstein Cancer Centre in New York City, serving as faculty until 2010.
After returning to India in 2010, Dr Raviraja became centre head at Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd, part of the Manipal Group, where he led innovation in stem cell manufacturing for clinical and commercial applications. He also played a key role in business development and major out-licensing agreements over a decade-long tenure.
In 2020, Dr Raviraja joined the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, as founding director of corporate relations, where he built strong partnerships with numerous corporates. He later served as Director of Planning and Monitoring and subsequently as chief operating officer of MAHE. Most recently, he held the position of senior director at the directorate of research, MAHE. Additionally, he served as the founding head of the department of biotherapeutics and held the Dr TMA Pai Endowment Chair in Stem Cell Research and Therapy. In these roles, he was deeply involved in advancing biotherapeutics research and mentoring emerging scientists.
Dr Raviraja has over 28 years of post-PhD research experience spanning multiple biological disciplines, including microbiology, cell and molecular biology, nano-biotechnology, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. He has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles in leading national and international journals and filed over eight patents — one of which has been granted in 16 countries, including the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, China, and Japan. He has also presented his research at prestigious international conferences and has served as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on several projects supported by organisations such as the American Lung Association (USA), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (USA), Department of Science and Technology (Government of India), and various industry sponsors.
With a career spanning operations, administration, scientific research, academia, and industry, Dr Raviraja exemplifies strong analytical abilities, innovative problem-solving skills, and strategic leadership in university management. His focus lies in optimising processes, fostering innovation, and nurturing an environment that supports the University’s mission of excellence in teaching and research.
Committed to developing a globally competitive higher education ecosystem, Dr Raviraja promotes a data-driven, process-oriented culture that facilitates effective decision-making and supports the execution of strategic initiatives. His leadership philosophy is guided by collaboration, innovation, and efficiency, aimed at advancing excellence in experiential learning and translational research.